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Do not be Discouraged!
One of the points Todd made soon after joining us a little over one year ago was that no matter where our path takes us into the future we need to come from a position of strength. He introduced a group of FCCG folks to Paul Nickerson which resulted in the creation of a group now known as our Vitality Team. They have been working in many ways to increase FCCG's visibility in our community and along with Heather Dobbert who has been amazing us with her ideas for honoring essential workers, visiting some of our more isolated church members with a cheer parade and honoring our postal workers, FCCG has blossomed. The financial support of our generous congregation provided $1,000 for gift cards for local essential workers. We have begun a monthly food drive to support the Granby Food Pantry, an event which this past month brought donations from many non-FCCG families. Our presence in the community is growing stronger. Our Christian mission of peace, justice and love is more evident outside of our sanctuary than it has been for many years.
And then there is the pandemic. For folks who need to "see" results, this time of distancing and isolation with no opportunity to gather in-person as a faith community leaves us in a place where we do not know whether our expanded community exposure is/will result in new members joining FCCG. We know that on any given Sunday two, three and sometimes even four times more folks are "attending" our live stream worship service than we had sitting in the pews for Sunday worship prior to the pandemic. Again, we do not know who all of these folks are but FCCG is reaching a growing audience. So we know we are touching more lives, a powerful sign of strengthened ministry. We just do not know what this means for our path forward.
The pandemic has also caused us to take a different look at the process of how we explore the possibility of combining, in some manner, with our friends at South Church. A few months ago, plans were in place for in-person workshops to be held for each congregation and then a combined workshop to see if a marriage of congregations is a workable/desired solution for two congregations facing declines in numbers, both personal and financial. The loss of opportunity to meet in person brought those plans to a halt. However, the pandemic has not stopped the church leaders from the two churches (GUCCI) from meeting (via Zoom of course). We are now meeting every other week. We are currently looking at opportunities to share a youth program leader and a technical support person. Plans are in place to share summer worship services such that July services will be led by Denny Moon and August services will be led by Todd. Sharing summer services, up until six or seven years ago, was a common practice between the two congregations. With the joint worship service on May 31
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and looking ahead to the summer services, we have also opened a Granby UCC Facebook site so that shared events such as these will be viewable in a common place.
The COVID19 pandemic has changed all of our personal and institutional lives. Stress levels are high. However, the world has not come to a complete halt. Things are happening at FCCG. We are reaching out in new ways and we are continuing conversations in new ways. FCG is still on a journey into the future and it is still unclear where that journey will take us. Stay tuned and when the opportunity arises be ready to share your voice.
SAVE THE DATE: June 28 - Congregational Meeting
Call to Meeting
The annual election meeting of First Congregational Church of Granby, Connecticut is called for Sunday, June 28, 2020 immediately following worship to: 1) elect officers and other church leaders in accordance with sections 7.1 and 7.2 of the First Church Constitution; and 2) consider such other business that may properly come before the meeting.
Respectfully submitted, Heather Dobbert, Clerk
**Please note: Voting procedures will be clarified at the Council Meeting next week and communicated via First Edition.**
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What's Up With Pastor Todd?
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I recently heard on a news podcast that something like 70% of Americans think our country is "out of control." I don't know where you're at, but this statistic points to a feeling we've been noticing around us and perhaps feeling ourselves for some months now. The recent protests around the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery just add to the generalized feelings of chaos, uncertainty, and grief that we've all been facing.
Recently I was invited to join a cohort of clergy and lay people to receive training on how to coach individuals and congregations through the COVID pandemic. Training began this week and will continue (online, of course) through the first half of July. We've been learning to identify and contextualize the component parts of the circumstances we're facing in order to more effectively address them and help people through this time.
There are some practices I'd like to suggest that may be helpful in dealing with feelings of grief and feelings of being "out of control." When circumstances feel out of control, it's helpful to find ways to "stay grounded." Staying grounded is a big reason why I spend an hour every morning sitting still and silent, minding my breath. Literally sitting "on the ground" is an incredibly effective way for me to feel "grounded." Circumstances can be swirling about me, but I know there is a stable place of rest that is always present--literally beneath my feet.
How will you "stay grounded?" Another technique for when you feel out of control is to identify and describe in detail five things near you. For me, it's the IKEA couch supporting my back, the Sisal trunk that I'm resting my feet on, the roar of a motorcycle engine on the street, the sigh of the breeze through the trees, now the sound and smell of rain. Is the world really coming apart? Yes, in some ways the world is coming apart. In others it's coming together. And through it all like the finest of thread the rhythms of the universe continue completely unbothered by our small concerns. While some things are out of our control, other things are in our control. Sometimes it's helpful to focus on the things we can control. Beginning with where we place our attention.
Many of you are probably familiar with the five stages of grief originally identified by Dr. Elisabeth Kuhbler-Ross some decades ago: denial, anger, depression, bargaining, acceptance. Perhaps you weren't aware that later in her career she identified a sixth stage: meaning-making. Meaning-making is the stage of grief that produces creative new life out of death. For example, parents of the Sandy Hook shooting victims creating the organization Everytown for Gun Safety. Or Philonese Floyd, brother of George Floyd, who was recently killed in an encounter with police, testifying before congress in support of police reform.
In the context of our congregational life and our individual lives, I'd like to suggest a powerful question as a tool for meaning-making: "In this time, what are you discovering is 'essential' as opposed to merely 'traditional'?" In other words, what things were we doing before COVID out of mere habit that we've found we can do without moving forward? What things have we found we can't do without that we want to give extra time and attention to moving forward? Loss without a sense of meaning is unbearable. Loss that leads to a simpler, happier, more productive life offers each of us an invaluable opportunity.
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Resources on whiteness and racism
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Resource Library for Whiteness & Racism - link to website : here
"Resources for Racial Justice Education and Learning": here |
For Father's Day, June 21, we will be honoring all fathers, past and present, during Worship. Please send information and photos to Sue and Pastor Todd and we will include them in worship. Please indicate the name of the person and who you are. For example: John Jones, father of Mary Smith.
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FCC CHURCH COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT
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The last statement regarding worship from FCCG Church Council was that we would not be gathering for worship in the First Church Sanctuary until at least after May 31, 2020.
But this does not mean that we're not reopening,
because we never closed. We have engaged ministry in new ways.
The scientific and governmental data continues to evolve daily. Here's what we do know, based on recommendations and research from the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ:
In-person worship in sanctuaries is one of the types of gatherings that is most likely to spread the infection.
- In an enclosed room over a length of time the airborne viral particles can reach every corner. 6-foot or 12-foot physical distancing will not prevent this.
- Speaking, praying and singing aloud propels the virus even further than just breathing.
- Using masks limits but does not prevent the transmission of the disease.
- Common surfaces abound.
- We know that people can be carriers of the virus without any symptoms.
We don't know everything about this disease and its impact on all ages. New information is coming out daily. This makes it hard to predict trends, safety measures, and phases.
Looking at a variety of sources, your Church Council has decided that we will continue to keep the FCCG building closed until at least through the end of August, 2020.
We will continue to be CHURCH through service projects, on-line bible study, devotionals, weekly Sunday worship, and so much more. And, your Church Council will continue to seek out a variety of sound sources to make decisions about our building use to make sure that when we do open the building it is safe for all people. While the church building remains closed, your Church Council is investigating to determine if there are ways to gather outside that will be safe for ALL PEOPLE and will enable us to continue to broadcast using live-stream for our broader church friends and audience. We will let you know if and when we can make such an event happen.
We are grateful to Pastor Todd for all the additional effort he is making to create our live stream worship and devotionals - learning new technology and skills while pastoring to our faith community.
If you'd like to discuss this decision, or if you have feedback of any time, please don't hesitate to reach out to either
Bob Giles - Moderator, or
Jill Ford - Assistant Moderator.
Remember, the church is not a building; the church is the people. Stay safe, dear church family.
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OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND - LET US KNOW HOW YOU WILL HELP
Dear Friends -
There are always plenty of ways that you can serve the church and we currently have some openings in critical areas. We invite you to join in this great opportunity to help guide the direction of our church. Please contact Linda Betsch or anyone on the committees below if you have questions about participating.
There is immediate need to fill the following positions:
- Head Deacon, who is a part of the Executive Committee and is an officer of the church.
- Two Delegates are needed to represent First Church for the Southern New England Conference,
- There is also a need to add volunteers to our many active committees:
- Deacons
- Trustees
- Personnel Committee
- The 3 ministries all need new members
Whether your interests are in community service, Christian education, worship, spiritual care, finances, or fundraising, there is a place and a need for your participation. If you want to be involved but don't have the experience, don't worry - someone will always be around to help! Please contact Linda Betsch for more information at itsmelinda92@cox.net, Cell 860-920-2500 or Home 860-653-0744. FULL LIST OF POSITIONS HERE |
Click below to view minutes from the April 20 Church Council Meeting.
Minutes from 4/20/20
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First Church Youtube Channel
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First Church now has a YouTube channel. Worship services are available here (after the service) as well as other videos from events, such as the Cheer Parade.
SUBSCRIBE TO FIRST CHURCH YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXwchPlW3ekh4ZgPx5xLNA
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Prayers and Parish Caring
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PRAYERS and Parish Caring
- Please email or call the pastor for personal prayer or to add your prayers to the prayer chain. Pastor Todd pastor@firstchurchgranby.org (860-990-1073).
- Marilyn Sponzo, Stephens Ministries Coordinator, will be working with Pastor Todd to coordinate pastoral care. Please feel free to contact her sponzomarilyn@gmail.com (860-729-9828).
- We are in the process of compiling a calling list to check in folks. Marilyn Sponzo and the Stephen's Ministers will look to converse with some of our members to help them to weather the storm at home.
- Linda Betsch will continue to coordinate meal preparation and delivery, as she has done in the past.
- Small errands and grocery shopping: Chris Saunders will coordinate this through the care group, deacons and other volunteers.
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Need
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Coordinator and Team
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Contact Info
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Personal Prayer and/or
Prayer Chain
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Pastor Todd
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860-990-1073
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Pastoral Care
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Marilyn Sponzo
Pastor Todd
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860-729-9828
860-990-1073
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Check in Calls
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Marilyn Sponzo
Stephen's Minsters
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860-729-9828
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Meal Needs and Coordination
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Linda Betsch Connections
Other volunteers
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860-920-2500
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Errand and Grocery Shopping needs
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Chris Saunders
Deacons
Care Group
Other volunteers
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860-653-9342
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FRIDAY CHAT WITH REV. DR. SANDRA FISCHER
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**TODAY IS THE LAST "CHAT" WITH REV. SANDRA"*
Join fellow members of First and South Church with a lunch chat with Rev. Dr. Sandra Fischer at 12pm. Sandra starts her summer next week so this week will be the last lunchtime chat.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 628 860 634
Password: 515076
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,628860634#,,#,
515076# US (New York)
Dial by phone:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 628 860 634
Password: 515076
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We hope you've enjoyed Friday night Zoom calls with games and conversation! Since the weather is warming up and people are getting out more to walk, hike, garden, and cook-out our TGIZ's will take a vacation too. Watch the First Edition for the next time we get together!
And a
BIG THANK YOU to Linda Betsch and Lisa Reinhardt for organizing these fun nights, especially Trivia Nights and Scavenger Hunts.
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Thursdays at 1pm, Joint Bible study with South Church via Zoom.
Plan on attending and look for the link in Tuesday's weekly update.
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Stay tuned for updates on events and new opportunities to stay connected as all of us adapt to new information on coronavirus and mitigation recommendations from local, state, and federal authorities.
The building is closed for all activities.
Please call with any questions.
Voicemail messages left at the church will be returned promptly.
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Please drop off any donations to Heather Dobbert's home by Saturday, June 20. Bags will be assembled 6/21 and delivered June 23. Here is the list of items needed (sign up genius link). Monetary donations are also being accepted. Please donate via church website or send check to FCC. If sending a check, please notify Heather. Please write the check out to FCC and note "postal worker project" in the memo. Call Heather at 860-819-1528 with questions.
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FCCG will be supporting Meadow Brook by collecting gardening items. The Recreation Director would like to engage residents in gardening activities to take place in their courtyard, but she lacks supplies. Please sign up using the link below. See what you have on hand that you can donate or easily purchase. Cash donations are also gladly accepted.
Donated items may be dropped off on 6/14 at Ann Wilhelm's house, for delivery to Meadow Brook early in the week. If you can't drop items off, please email or call her to make an alternative arrangement.
A fresh batch of electronic care cards are also being created. Please email Ann Wilhelm with your artwork, inspirational quotes, and photos. Art work by children has been especially appreciated, so if there are children in your life, please encourage them to color a picture to cheer someone else! Special themes for June are gardening and Father's Day, but all contributed art is appreciated.
Ann Wilhelm
329 North Granby Road
860-989-1094
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Face Masks and Face Mask Relievers Available
Many sewers, including Beth Lindsay, Sally Crapser, Peggy Shaw, Avis Cherichetti, and Sue Miltenberger have been hard at work making fabric masks. If you are in need of a mask, feel free to take one from the bin outside of Cook Hall. If there are no masks in the bin, please
email or call the church office 860-653-4537 and leave a message and we will arrange to get you one.
Troy Chicoine has been busy with a 3D printer making stress relievers for face masks. He has donated some to friends working in hospitals and has also donated 2 dozen to the FCC face mask bin. See picture --->
They allow for a better fit of the mask and take the stress off of the ears. Please help yourself to what you need.
If and when the weather cooperates, Ann Wilhelm has offered to take small groups
on afternoon walking tours of the Wilhelm farm property as it awakes to spring.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers needed to make "check in" calls on church members. Contact
Pastor Todd for instructions. And we encourage anyone who is planning to do errands, grocery shopping, etc., to contact others who could use help in these areas. The less traffic outside the home, the better!
Needed: Boxspring for Double Bed
A church member is in need of a box spring for a double bed. If you can help, please contact Sue in the church office. Email or call 860-653-4537 and leave a message.
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Spirited Readers -
next ZOOM virtual meeting - June 16 at 7pm
We are reading Trevor Noah's book
Born a Crime.
"Trevor Noah tells his wild coming-of-age tale during the twilight of apartheid in South Africa. It's a story that begins with his mother throwing him from a moving van to save him from a potentially fatal dispute with gangsters, then follows the budding comedian's path to self-discovery through episodes both poignant and comical."~Amazon
It is a quick read, so plan to finish the book before the meeting.
All are Welcome!!
Zoom link:
Retreat 2021- SAVE THE DATE: June 25- 27, 2021.
Mercy by the Sea in Madison
We chose the only weekend available in June since there are no May dates available for next year.
Please come and be in friendship with your First Church friends! We missed our special time together this year.
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Opportunity - Make Face masks
Consider making cloth face masks to donate to hospitals in need.
This link will provide the instructions/requirements for face masks acceptable to Hartford Healthcare and Trinity Healthcare:
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Southern New England Conference News
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FROM THE SNE CONFERENCE: 5 things to share this week: here
Racial Justice Resources for Families: here
Message from Silver Lake in Response to Racial Injustice
here
UCC COVID-19 Resources:
We want you to know about two helpful resources from the United Church of Christ for ministry in the COVID-19 pandemic:
T
he briefing separates facts from falsehoods and fear, supplying valuable information for the duration of the pandemic crisis. This resource is prepared by Barbara T. Baylor, MPH, Temporary Health Liaison serving on UCC's Wider Church Ministries - Humanitarian and Development Team.
Themes explored to date include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color, people experiencing homelessness, and children. Other recent topics have included the global impact of the disaster, COVID-19 and the U.S. healthcare system, recently adopted stimulus packages, and strategies for coping with stress.
This is Barbara Baylor's second time on the UCC national staff. She previously served for 18 years as Justice and Witness Ministries' domestic policy advocate and minister for health care justice in Washington, D.C.
Want to subscribe to the Daily Briefing? Send your email to disasters@ucc.org and please put "UCC SUBSCRIBE DAILY BRIEFING" in the subject line.
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Contacts
Church Office
Hours: Closed Until Further Notice
Church Office Phone: 860-653-4537
Church Office Fax: 860-653-4538
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Like First Church on Facebook!
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